playing stupid
Pretending not knowing
Playing stupid is pretending not to know or understand something, typically to avoid responsibility, deflect blame, or gain some tactical advantage.
Someone might play stupid when questioned about a mistake at work or when a partner asks about suspicious behavior.
Don't play stupid with me—I know you saw the email.
The phrase implies the person is actually aware or competent but choosing to feign ignorance.
- feigningPretending to feel something
- actingTemporarily holding position
- shammingFalsely pretending
- blank stareExpressionless, unfocused gaze
- deer in headlightsParalyzed by sudden shock
passive resistance · simulation · pretense · self-preservation · manipulation · smooth talking · make believe · impression management · plausible deniability · willful ignorance · conflict avoidance · deception · selective memory · none the wiser · lay · nonverbal cues · poker face · stonewalling
playing stupidshowing off
Ostentatious self-display
name-dropping · grandstanding · laying cards on the table · mansplaining
playing stupidbeing honest
Stating facts sincerely
bragging · boasting · acting in good faith · intellectual honesty
play, plays, played, player, players, playful, playfully, playfulness, playing